Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan at the historic Tashichhodzong, in Thimphu, last Wednesday (02), with discussions focusing on Bhutan’s development priorities and ways to strengthen bilateral relations with Sri Lanka.

The meeting took place during Dr. Amarasuriya’s official visit to Bhutan.

The Bhutanese King expressed interest in drawing on Sri Lanka’s experience and expertise in areas relevant to the country’s long-term development plans, according to a statement issued, following the meeting.

The two sides also discussed opportunities to expand investment cooperation, including a proposal to establish an investment zone in Bhutan.

The discussions further covered demographic challenges facing Bhutan, particularly the increasing migration of young people and its potential impact on the country’s future workforce and population.

Both sides underscored the importance of sustainable development and creating greater opportunities for young people to contribute to national economic growth and development.

The meeting formed part of efforts to broaden cooperation between Sri Lanka and Bhutan beyond traditional areas of bilateral engagement, with investment, development expertise and demographic concerns emerging as areas of common interest.

Former Minister Johnston Fernando was granted bail yesterday after being produced before court following his arrest by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) over alleged irregularities in the procurement of chairs for the Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre in Polgolla.

Fernando was arrested by the Bribery Commission yesterday morning after he arrived at the CIABOC to provide a statement in connection with the ongoing investigation.

The investigation centres on the procurement of chairs for the auditorium, with CIABOC alleging that the prescribed procurement procedure was not followed, resulting in a financial loss of approximately Rs. 7.97 million to the State.

According to the Commission, the alleged irregularities caused a loss of Rs. 7,973,114 to the Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau.

CIABOC said Fernando was arrested on allegations of committing an offence of corruption in connection with the procurement transaction.

He was subsequently produced before court and granted bail.The arrest forms part of an ongoing CIABOC investigation into the alleged procurement irregularities and the financial loss incurred by the State.

The Supreme Court yesterday concluded hearing 15 petitions challenging the constitutionality of the Anti-Corruption (Amendment) Bill presented to Parliament by the Government.

A three-member bench, comprising Justices Shiran Gooneratne, Mahinda Samayawardhena and Sampath Wijeratne, heard the petitions over two days.

Following the conclusion of oral submissions, the bench directed the relevant parties to file any written submissions by noon on Monday.

The Court said its determination on the constitutionality of the proposed legislation would be communicated confidentially to the Speaker of Parliament and the President in due course.

The petitions were filed by several parties, including former Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris, the Media Law Forum and Transparency International Sri Lanka.

The petitioners contended that the proposed amendments would curtail judicial power and infringe fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

They accordingly urged the Supreme Court to determine that the Bill, in its present form, requires approval by the people at a referendum in addition to the required parliamentary process.

The Court’s determination will be conveyed to the Speaker, who will then communicate the relevant constitutional position to Parliament in accordance with the Constitution.